1827
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Circle of the Lustful: Paolo and Francesca is a 1827 ink by William Blake, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a chaotic, swirling scene of naked figures tangled in what looks like a stormy whirlwind. At the center, two people cling to each other, surrounded by smaller bodies floating or struggling in the air. The background has a dark, cloudy sky with a small circle of light showing another pair of figures. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth and movement, making the figures look like they’re caught in a storm. The swirling shapes and dramatic lighting suggest chaos and passion. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Blake used this technique to tell intense stories.
William Blake (28 November 1757 – 12 August 1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker.
See the richer artist page
